Overview
This lecture covers the core concepts for ABRSM Grade 5 music theory, focusing on keys, scales, the circle of fifths, technical names, and chromatic scale requirements.
Major and Minor Scales
- The major scale follows the formula: semitones between 3-4 and 7-8, other intervals are tones.
- Scales have eight notes, starting and ending on the tonic (first note).
- Scales can be written with key signatures or with accidentals next to each note.
- Three types of minor scales: harmonic (raise 7th ascending/descending), melodic (raise 6th & 7th ascending, not descending), and natural (not examined).
- In harmonic minor, the interval between 6th and 7th notes is an augmented second.
Writing Scales
- Steps: note the key signature, write all notes in the octave, start and end on tonic.
- Raise the 7th in harmonic minor, 6th & 7th in ascending melodic minor.
- For accidentals: natural → sharp, flat → natural, sharp → double sharp as needed.
Relative Major and Minor
- Every major key has a relative minor sharing its key signature, and vice versa.
- Relative minor: a minor third below (6th degree of major scale).
- Relative major: a minor third above (3rd degree of minor scale).
- Raised notes in minor keys are not counted in the key signature.
Circle of Fifths and Key Signatures
- Circle of fifths shows all 12 major and minor keys and their key signatures.
- Sharp keys: ascend by fifths, adding sharps in F# C# G# D# A# E# order.
- Flat keys: descend by fifths, adding flats in Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb order.
- Key signatures must be written in the correct order and location for each clef.
Technical Name of Scale Degrees
- 1st: Tonic, 2nd: Supertonic, 3rd: Mediant, 4th: Subdominant, 5th: Dominant, 6th: Submediant, 7th: Leading note.
- In minor keys (harmonic), the 7th (leading note) must be raised.
Chromatic Scale Requirements
- Chromatic scales use 13 notes, all semitones, starting and ending on the same note.
- Each pitch class is used no more than twice.
- Common errors: not all semitones, incorrect starting/ending notes, repeating pitch classes more than twice.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Tonic — first note of a scale, the "home" note.
- Key Signature — group of sharps/flats defining a key, written at the start of each line.
- Relative Minor — minor scale sharing the same key signature as a major scale.
- Circle of Fifths — diagram showing the relationship between keys.
- Chromatic Scale — a scale of consecutive semitones covering an octave.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice constructing, identifying, and writing major/harmonic/melodic minor scales.
- Memorize order of sharps and flats for key signatures.
- Review and practice technical names of scale degrees.
- Refer to recommended books and practice papers for exercises.
- Watch upcoming interval lessons for further study.